Touched

Disclaimer: Creator Tite Kubo owns the manga and anime Bleach and its characters. No offense or infringement is intended.

A/N: Another chapter raring to go! Seems I keep apologizing for the delay in updating these- I'd intended to try and get new chapters up every 3 weeks or so but it seems to be trending closer to between 4 and 5. It's my own fault; even though I have a huge chunk of this story outlined I find the individual chapters more tricky to flesh out, particularly because I want to post work that people don't just want to speed through but want to take their time with and come back to read over and over. So I appreciate the patience of everyone sticking with this story- hope it lives up to expectations!

Chapter 7: Paradox

The next day at Shiba Inn (the 3rd day)…

In the morning Orihime, Sado and Uryu gathered with Hanataro and Tatsuki to review the regimen planned by the medic for her. Hanataro had estimated that Tatsuki would require at least three to four charges per day. Tatsuki thought that would be more frequent than necessary however Hanataro insisted she not drop below a certain minimum threshold. He showed the other three how to use the spirit energy detector and went over the 'charging protocol'- only one pre-authorized human donor per session, one-on-one, hand to hand, without any other skin to skin contact. Time of day, subject and duration of charge were to be recorded for each session for research purposes. Tatsuki found the whole thing embarrassing, humiliating, and fairly redundant as they'd already each given her energy the day before without any sort of 'protocol.' Of course, she wisely kept her opinion to herself.

Hanataro also insisted on rotating the donors after each session- Orihime, then Sado and then Uryu; handing off in this fashion would theoretically allow a donor time to regenerate the spirit energy given to Tatsuki before they needed to donate again. It seemed unnecessary- after yesterday the three 'donors' seemed to barely notice the reiatsu given to her and could have probably taken several turns in a row; Hanataro insisted, however, that this was a preferred method for his research, at least until his replacement could be established.

Tatsuki wasn't fond of the idea of someone else stepping in to study her. Not only did she not mind Hanataro (he might have been talkative, but at least he was nice and remained open to her suggestions), but after witnessing the reactions of Ichigo and Ishida to the mere mention of the Research Division Captain last night she was in no hurry to meet anyone associated with such a man. No one who got a reaction like that out of those guys was getting within ten meters of her; the insinuation was uncomfortable at best and gruesome at worst.

She'd meant to ask Ichigo more about this man when she suddenly noticed his absence- when she thought about it she hadn't seen him since the meeting with Captain Unohana the night before. It seemed rather odd since he'd been incessantly hovering ever since he'd saved her and brought her to the Shoten, well before they'd even discovered that something was wrong with her. The attention had been stifling even in the spirit world where he couldn't technically touch her, and so she was surprised to find that his sudden absence troubled her some. Wasn't some space just what she'd wanted? Perhaps she'd finally started getting used to the ever-present protective version of him- 'Action-Figure Ichigo, hero edition'. Maybe she didn't mind the idea that perhaps he cared more about her than thwarting some bad guys she'd never even met. In any case, after such a realization she guessed she'd have to figure out just what it was she really wanted from him.

Luckily, Tatsuki had more to keep her mind busy than ruminating over Ichigo's whereabouts; it was near the end of her charge with Sado that afternoon when she finally met the head of the Shiba household. She and the giant teen had been parked at the kitchen table once again, holding hands for their energy transfer as they compared notes on their favorite mixed martial arts fighters; for some reason, with Sado the transfers were less awkward than she would have guessed. Tatsuki had been leaning back in the chair with her feet up on the table when an odd sensation from behind raised the hairs on her neck. Before she could right herself a raspy yet unmistakably feminine voice commented, "So you're the little girl causing all of this trouble…"

Nearly falling backwards in her chair, Tatsuki had the presence of mind to lower her feet and sit up straight in order to meet someone of clear authority. Looking up, she found a tall woman dressed rather provocatively in cropped sleeveless low-rise all-white clothing standing over her. The woman also wore a white kerchief on her head with long spiky black hair jutting out as well as a rakish smile directed at the young travelers.

Sado hastily made formal introductions, "Tatsuki, this is Shiba Kukaku, Ganju's sister and owner of this Inn. Shiba-san, this is Arisawa Tatsuki, a friend of ours from Karakura. We are grateful for your family's help in sheltering her and our other friends in this difficult time."

A bit out of sorts, Tatsuki stood up and was about to offer her free hand to shake when she realized two crucial things: 1) she wasn't supposed to touch anyone due to her condition, and 2) the woman was missing the arm she'd intended to shake anyway.

Um… Blank. Great. Uh… bow, stupid. And the young girl gave a deep formal bow to make up for the several seconds of preceding awkwardness.

The woman just laughed, "A friend of yours, huh? I'm guessing she's a friend of Ichigo's if she's causing such a ruckus for the Gotei 13. Anyone within spitting distance of that kid ends up generating mountains of paperwork for those smartasses."

Tatsuki blinked in surprise, "Um, sorry…"

"What? No, don't apologize! We were due for a little excitement around here." Then she noticed the two's hand hold, "Ganju and Yoruichi explained your unique 'condition'. So this is the solution you've come up with to keep yourself alive? I must say I've never seen anything quite like it."

Tatsuki couldn't help sighing hopelessly, "Nobody has, at least not in any way that's helpful. But so far it's working."

Kukaku eyed her critically, "Don't be discouraged, young one. I hear you're a fighter- don't let that spirit escape you… so to speak. You and your friends are welcome in our home for as long as you wish to stay."

Tatsuki gave a deep genuine bow again, "Thank you, Shiba-san. Your generosity is truly appreciated. I don't know what we'd do without the help of your family."

The older woman chuckled, "We're not usually so hospitable. However, since I'm still in such an unusually generous mood there's one more suggestion I'd like to make for you, young lady…" Tatsuki's eyebrows huddled as the woman glanced down disapprovingly at her ill-fitting pants under Ichigo's bulky hoodie, "How would you feel about a more appropriate change of clothes?"

Later that evening…

He'd forgotten just how stubborn she could be.

From the first moment he'd met Tatsuki, Ichigo had known she was a warrior, and warriors had their pride. Perhaps it had been the fear driving him- the fear that came with the realization that he'd almost lost her, to death- or worse- to Aizen and the darkness of Hueco Mundo. Perhaps he'd been distracted by that moment on the rooftop, the hint of something surprisingly intense and personal with one of the most amazing girls he'd ever known. For whatever reason, from the time he'd carried Tatsuki through the Shoten's doors he'd done the exact wrong thing- he'd smothered her, questioning her strength.

It didn't matter that she didn't truly understand how gruesome her fate had almost been, her abduction and now her reiatsu problems had left her nervous and ill-tempered. He saw now that his continuous hovering, however well-intentioned, was instead serving as a constant reminder of her own vulnerability. Right now she didn't need that. Right now she needed a friend, and the friend of a warrior either bolstered them up or got out of their way.

So he took the cue and started keeping his distance. Never gone, just out of sight. She was a brilliant paradox- smothering Tatsuki had served to push her away, he only hoped that giving her some distance might allow his first friend to find her way back to him…

…And so he was only mildly surprised when she managed to find him alone late in the evening.

Ichigo was sitting on the inn's back porch gazing out over the garden in silent thought when he heard the back door creak open. After only a couple of light footfalls on the deck boards he knew it was her, however he waited for her to speak first.

"Haven't seen much of you lately."

He allowed himself a concealed smirk before casually answering her, "I figured you needed your space. You're dealing with a lot; thought it might be best if I just backed off a bit."

"Back off, maybe. Not disappear," Tatsuki replied coolly, stepping out of the shadows. It was then that he noticed her clothing- a long-sleeved top over a loose tank and long pants, all in a light gray airy material that swayed as she walked. It was a simple yet feminine look that covered nearly all of her exposed skin from the neck down. She raised an eyebrow when she noticed he was staring.

Ichigo raised his chin in reply, "I like your outfit."

From her expression he guessed she was blushing. She shrugged one shoulder, "Kukaku-san was very generous; she found something light enough for this heat but with enough skin coverage to avoid another 'Keigo' incident. Look, she even found matching gloves," she said holding up her hands for inspection.

"Kinda warm for gloves but it's a keen idea. Like a comic book." When she rolled her eyes he deftly changed the subject, "I didn't disappear. Though I'll admit I didn't think I would run into anyone else out here; were you looking for me?" He gestured to the other end of his bench and she took a seat.

"Just seeing if you were still around," Tatsuki answered evasively. Her eyes tracked over to the moonlit garden and he caught an eyeful of a surprisingly stunning profile. It hadn't been his imagination; he really was seeing her in a different light.

"I've been around," he offered quietly. "Why, is there something you need?" He hoped he didn't sound too eager.

"Yes. Answers," and she turned an expectant gaze onto him. He saw it in her eyes- the anticipation of resistance- and knew she was readying herself for some stalling or protests from him.

However this time he was ready for her, his mind far clearer than it had been on the rooftop, "Alright. What do you want to know?"

A genuine flash of surprise lit her face before she narrowed challenging eyes at him, "…Everything."

Ichigo nodded thoughtfully, "Okay…" He took the moment to stare unabashedly at her, "…where should I begin?"

When she gave him a sly smile he knew she was unconsciously mirroring the one she'd earned from him, "Where else? At the beginning, of course."

"Alright…" And so he began at the beginning, trying not to leave out a single thing. They sat that way late into the night- him relating story after story as she listened intently, wide-eyed and amazed- a foot of bench between them as they steadily grew closer than they'd been in years.

After hearing from Orihime that Rukia still had not turned in for the night, Renji went on a hunt. When he finally found her it was in the most unlikely of places- sidled up against a window facing onto the back porch. He was about to ask her what the hell she was doing when he suddenly overheard soft feminine laughter followed by Ichigo's familiar voice.

Renji was no rocket scientist but it didn't take one to figure out what she was up to. In the loudest whisper he dared attempt he asked, "Rukia? Seriously? Are you spying on those kids?"

Startled from her place of concealment the petite Shinigami whispered back, "No! Well… yes. But they've been out there for nearly three hours!"

He raised a tattooed eyebrow at her, "Have you been standing there for three hours?" and he had to chuckle when she frowned back at him. To his relief she stepped away from the window so as not to be overheard by the two outside.

"Of course not, but someone has to keep an eye on them," Rukia replied.

Renji rolled his eyes, "Why? They're just a couple of kids. Who cares if they stay up past their bedtime?" He glanced through the window once again to confirm his assertion, "The girl knows not to touch him; it looks like they're just talking."

Rukia huffed in exasperation, "That's the problem, Renji. Ichigo's not just some kid, and right now he's telling that girl everything! After I specifically told him not to…"

Renji shrugged, "Yeah, but that was back in the human world when she was just a bystander and we were trying to restrict membership into the 'Pesky Teenage Sidekick' Society. Now that the chick's eyeball's deep into the Spirit World side of this I'd say things are a bit different. Maybe she deserves the scoop- in my mind becoming a reiatsu-absorbing target of the Arrancar kind of entitles her, right?"

Her frown directed at him deepened, "You're not helping, Renji. Ichigo is one of the most powerful allies we have against the evil forces threatening both our worlds, but at the end of the day he's still naïve enough to think with his heart instead of his head." Rukia pointed towards the window, "That girl could be the worst possible kind of distraction for him! Where the hell does that leave us?"

"Um… standing outside a window spying on a couple of teenagers?" Renji replied cheekily. When she looked about ready to punch him he backed off, "Hey listen! Come on! They're just talking, okay? What's the harm in the poor guy trying to salvage what sounded like a pretty decent childhood friendship before you fell into his life…?"

Ready to bean him in the head Rukia suddenly froze mid-swing, blinking wide-eyed at him and the redhead wondered if maybe he'd crossed the line. But then she settled down crossing her arms in defeat. After one last lingering glance toward the window she walked away with hunched shoulders.

Just as she passed him though, Rukia circled around and poked him in the chest, "For the record, Renji, you suck at pep talks." He could only laugh as she finally left for bed.

The fourth day, in the afternoon…

Even into the next day Tatsuki was still reeling from everything Ichigo had told her the night before. She thought she'd at least had some inkling as to what must have gone down so super-secretly behind her back for all those agonizing weeks, but the truth was she'd been totally clueless as to what her friends had gone through, especially Ichigo.

He had transformed into a phenomenon, an aberration of statistical anomalies that no one could have ever predicted- powerful, brave, loyal, selfless, creative, cunning- the perfect formula for a Spirit World superhero. Though there had been zero bravado or bragging on his part, she was wise enough to discern the amazing accomplishments that even he couldn't downplay with his humble recounts. What she'd seen the night of her abduction was only the barest of glimpses; she still wasn't certain she could completely fathom his level of power.

Now Tatsuki understood why he'd been so guarded with his secret, which was why she hadn't expected him to be so forthcoming last night; compared to the first night up on the rooftop it was as though he'd thought long and hard about it and was now eager to share that part of his life with her. She'd watched his body ease as the hours passed and more and more of the truth was unburdened, the wall between them finally all but disappearing. She finally had him back. Pity that now she didn't know what to do with him. 'Knucklehead-schoolmate Ichigo' she could handle, but what the hell was she supposed to do with 'Hot Uber-Shinigami Ichigo'?

I can't believe I kissed him! He probably thinks I'm a spazz…

Instantly embarrassed by her own musings, Tatsuki discretely glanced over at her current reiatsu donor, Ishida. Yes, all of this mental reeling was occurring while she was charging with the quiet Quincy, a term she now had a somewhat better handle on. Of her three donors he was the one whom she knew the least well, if at all. It had thus become an unspoken courtesy to offer as little interaction as possible, leaving her plenty of time for quiet reflection as they charged.

Today, however, he surprised her when he suddenly stated, "You've been talking to Ichigo."

She blinked at him before answering, "Yes… last night. He finally filled me in on the whole Soul Reaper thing, and about you guys… Pretty amazing stuff…" She bit her lip, not quite sure how to talk to him; something about his unnatural quietness made her self-conscious, "Why? Did he tell you we talked?"

"No but from his behavior last night I surmised as much." She desperately wanted to know what he meant by that but resisted the urge to probe. After a thoughtful pause he inquired, "Did he tell you I am a Quincy?"

She nodded slowly, "He mentioned it. I… I had no idea. Just knew you were somehow involved."

He gave a single nod back, "Hmph, against my better judgment. But I suppose it all worked out for the best. Looking back I honestly couldn't picture a different outcome. It's been… meaningful." Tatsuki watched as he faded into a moment of reflection and realized that even with the vast history shared with her, she couldn't know everything. When he snapped out of it he looked her directly in the eye, "Ichigo probably didn't tell you very much about the Quincy. If you ever want to know about them, I'll tell you their true history."

She recognized an olive branch when she saw one. She nodded again, "I'd like that."

She honestly hadn't known what to expect from Ishida- with their personalities at such polar odds she wasn't sure they'd ever find common ground. But the fact that the others got along so well with the stoic young man gave her hope for at least a stronger acquaintance. After this conversation she guessed he'd thought the same.

Pleased with even this small victory, she was again surprised when after a few more quiet minutes he glanced down at their joined hands. "Arisawa, may I ask a question?"

Surprised by the initiation of yet more conversation, Tatsuki glanced over at the spectacled teen, "Um, sure. Of course." Perhaps it was the bond of an exchange of spirit energy, but she could have sworn she sensed a hint of embarrassment and trepidation coming from the typically reserved young man.

Using his free hand, he pressed the bridge of his glasses further up his nose, "I couldn't help but notice… when you and Inoue hold hands you interlace your fingers…" When she looked down at their hands, locked in a loose handshake of sorts he added, "I imagine it increases the surface area of skin contact improving the transfer of spirit energy?"

A little confused by the direction of the conversation she hesitantly nodded, "It just seems to work better that way."

He nodded back and she wondered if perhaps it had only been an analytical inquiry. However, after a pause he pressed, "Why haven't you mentioned that before? To improve our transfer? Is there a reason you think it wouldn't work with us as well?"

She shrugged nervously, "I don't know… I guess I didn't want to impose on you, Ishida-san. I mean, I don't really… know you as well as the others… and… I don't know," she ducked her head a little. "I guess I didn't want to push your generosity…"

His eyebrows huddled together in confusion, "Push my generosity?"

She averted her eyes, "Never mind. Sorry."

She missed the telltale softening of his features as he regarded her. "Please don't apologize, Arisawa-san. I feel I need to clarify my intentions." He thought for a moment, searching for the right words, "While not well acquainted ourselves, I think we'd both agree that we have friends in common. Inoue, for example, is well known to us both… Do you happen to notice that when she gets nervous she tends to ramble?"

"Yeah, I guess she does," Tatsuki answered wondering where he was going with this particular stream of thought.

He continued, "I've noticed when she is nervous and rambling that she likes to talk about things that make her happy, things that she feels good about or that put her at ease."

Tatsuki was reminded of the humming. "Hmm, yeah I guess I noticed that, too."

"She likes to talk a lot about you, Arisawa." When Tatsuki raised a doubtful eyebrow at him, he added, "And it would seem I make her quite nervous."

"Oh…" Her eyes suddenly widened.

"…So I think it's fair to say that I know significantly more about you than you might think, or might even be comfortable with me knowing…" He watched the embarrassment color her cheeks a little. He hurried to add, "It's alright though! I don't think you should be troubled by that; Inoue is quite proud of you. In listening to her go on about you I feel as though I've gotten to know you just a little bit better- if only indirectly."

She slowly nodded, "I see… I think. Though Orihime tends to exaggerate sometimes; I can't imagine what she's told you."

He tilted his chin up thoughtfully, "I find Inoue to be refreshingly honest. Let's just say that if you are even half the woman she describes you to be, you are a very impressive person." For the last part he gave her the eye contact that such a statement demanded.

She could feel her cheeks heating up even more, "You don't have to say that, Ishida-san. Though I appreciate you trying to be nice to me…"

"On the contrary- I think you could be a great asset to the team, provided you chose to be such. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that."

She looked over at him, both flattered and a bit embarrassed as she tried to gauge his sincerity. Seeing no signs of disingenuousness she slowly nodded her head at him, "You're alright, Uryu. A little stuffy… but alright." And she opened their joined hands just enough to interlace their fingers.

That earned a bewildered smile from him, "As are you, Arisa-… Tatsuki."

She sent him a sideways glance, "Does this mean we're going to be friends?"

"Despite my 'stuffiness' I think I would be amenable to such an arrangement," he replied in as even a tone as ever.

"Okay now you're just messing with me," she laughed.

They sat in a far more comfortable silence for another few minutes before she finally broke it again, "Hey Uryu, is now a good time for you tell me more about the Quincy?"

"Hmm. I think now is a perfect time…"

The fifth day, in the morning…

Two days later and Ichigo was still elated over his evening spent with Tatsuki. It had gone better than he could have hoped- she had been patient, attentive and utterly fascinated, hanging on to his every word. He loved how though she tried to keep a calm demeanor her excitement shone in her eyes, especially when he recounted his battles or revealed a new facet of his powers. It was a secret source of pride that he'd been able to impress her like that. It had felt great to finally tell her everything and to finally answer her questions with complete openness; he was certain that he'd made a giant step closer to regaining her trust.

Now he couldn't wait to return to Shiba Inn. He'd requested a face-to-face with Captain Byakuya Kuchiki through Renji, but the man certainly loved his early morning meetings. He'd left the inn before dawn but things had gone smoothly and he was returning well before lunch time. A warm drizzle had begun falling earlier but Ichigo knew he'd make it back before it turned into a heavier rain; within minutes his flashstep had brought him to the entry doors.

Shaking off some of the rain, Ichigo headed straight for the kitchen, hoping to catch some late breakfast and perhaps a few moments with Tatsuki. However, as soon as he entered the room he was practically pounced upon by Orihime. "Oh Ichigo, where have you been?" she asked, as if he should have magically known she'd been looking for him.

"What's up, Orihime? I had a meeting with Byakuya. You look nervous; is everything okay?" He was getting an uneasy feeling from her harried look.

She was wringing her hands, "Oh dear, it's Tatsuki. When I woke up this morning she wasn't there! I was hoping she was with you."

"No, I went to Seireitei. She's been missing since this morning?"

Orihime shook her head, "No one's seen her since last night; I can't find her anywhere."

Slowly the severity of the situation was dawning on him, "Wait, so she didn't charge with you this morning? But she usually charges first thing- it's nearly eleven…" They'd come to find that for Tatsuki the morning charge was the most important because it followed the longest period without one- the overnight. He knew if she'd missed the morning's charge then her reiatsu levels could be reaching a dangerously low level.

Orihime seemed to be growing more upset, "I know! And when I went to look for her she wasn't in any of her usual places."

He put a hand on her shoulder to calm her, "Then we need to look in the unusual places…"

"We did," Uryu interjected, entering the kitchen with Chad and Ganju.

Ichigo didn't like the worried looks on their faces. Uryu finished his statement, "After Orihime told us she was missing we split up to search the whole inn. I'm afraid that Tatsuki is nowhere to be found…"

A/N: Another fun cliffhanger! From this point things will diverge dramatically in the story line so hope you guys haven't gotten too comfortable with the circumstances yet. On another note, I thought it would be neat to see how Uryu and Tatsuki finally find some common ground amongst this weird bunch since they're so different from each other. I'd like to think that even as such opposites they could become comfortable friends. I've read fics with them as the main pairing that were totally believable. But anyway I've already started work on the next chapter- a big one- so stay tuned! And please review if you're enjoying it so far or have a comment to share! ^_^